Montgomery County residents frustrated over pace of snow removal

Exhaustion and frustration: That’s what many Montgomery County residents say they’ve been feeling as they deal with still-unplowed streets and sidewalks.

On Terrapin Road near Wheaton High School, neighbors say there’s a leaking pipe somewhere on their street, which freezes and creates new ice every single night.

One nearby daycare owner says he wishes the county would address the issue.

“I think they could do a better job with their cleaning the area, especially the entrance, because for us it’s dangerous,” Rafael Hernandez, a Montgomery County resident, said. “Customers walk and somebody can fall down

“We try to call the authorities, nobody’s answering, so we are in big trouble — this is Terrapin road.” Yeshitila Desta, a Montgomery county resident, said.

Oftentimes, it can be tough to tell what’s supposed to be sidewalk or road because everything is covered in a thick layer of “snowcrete.”

Throughout Montgomery County, other sidewalks are also in the same condition, with the shoveled part abruptly coming to an end. And while many of the main roads are cleared, sometimes the turn lanes are either partially or completely covered, forcing cars to merge with little warning.

“People think there’s about to be two lanes, and then it comes back and it’s a really scary driving experience right now,” one resident said.

Montgomery county residents shared their concerns Monday night at a virtual town hall hosted by Councilmember Will Jawando.

“I saw so many hydrants that were covered,” said one resident. “It was embarrassing and scary.”

“Certainly when you’re climbing over the snow mounds, whether you’re in a residential area or on some of the major roadways, it’s really dangerous,” said resident Will Roberts.

“I know it has been a long and frustrating week for many of you, myself included,” Jawandi said. “[…] When we fall short you have every right to hold officials accountable

Jawando says his office hopes to use the feedback to create a better approach for next time as folks around the D.C. region try to chip away the problems on their slippery streets.